This document discusses strategies for controlling emissions of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), including domestic, regional, and international approaches. It notes that HFC usage and emissions have grown substantially to replace ozone-depleting substances banned under the Montreal Protocol. The U.S. has regulations and partnerships to reduce HFC emissions from various sectors. Internationally, amending the Montreal Protocol to phase down HFC production and use could significantly reduce climate change impacts by over 96 billion tons of carbon dioxide by 2050. Momentum is growing for such an amendment with over 100 countries supporting addressing HFCs under the Montreal Protocol.

1. Strategies for Controlling HFC
Emissions: Domestic, Regional and
E i i D ti R i l d
International Approaches
NEAR-TERM CLIMATE PROTECTION AND CLEAN AIR FOR LATIN
AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN
31 October – 2 November 2012
Bogota, Colombia
Elisa Rim, Economist
Stratospheric Protection Division
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

2. Scope of Presentation
• HFCs: Why Address Them Now?
• Domestic & R i
D ti Regional A
l Approaches
h
• International Approaches
• Overview of CCAC HFC Focal Area

3. HFCs: Used in Various Sectors
Same sectors as ODS

4. Recent HFC Growth Dramatic
and Increasing
4
Source: UNEP 2011

5. D o m e s t i c / R e g i o n a l M e a s u r e s
to Reduce Emissions
• U.S. ODS programs address alternatives (HFCs)
– Emissions Reduction Regulations
• Prohibits intentional releases of ODS & substitutes
(HFCs)
• Service practices for motor vehicle a/c (e.g., HFC-134a)
• Voluntary Partnerships go beyond regulations
– End-of-life safe appliance disposal – foams & refrigerant
– Sector-specific program to reduce emissions
• Other approaches include:
– Australian SSG
– EU F G rule
F-Gas l
5

6. Identifying Safer Alternatives
U.S. EPA’s Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) Program
• Globally Unique: evaluates substitutes that reduce overall risk
y q
to human health & environment in industrial sectors
– e.g., Refrigeration, A/C, Foams, Fire Suppression, Aerosols, etc.
• Menu of Options: 400+ substitutes considered:
– ODP, GWP, flammability, toxicity, local air quality, ecosystem effects,
occupational & consumer health/safety
• Alternatives include:
– Alternative chemicals/blends
– Alternative technologies (e.g., thermoelectric)
• Next Generation Alternatives
– Alternatives for ODS & high-GWP HFCs
6

7. Coupling Domestic & Regional
Approaches with International Action:
Amending the Montreal Protocol

8. HFCs: Potential Growth
If Unmitigated
• HFC growth directly
linked
li k d to MMontreall
Protocol’s ODS
phaseout and
expanding
availability of
refrigeration & air
conditioning
• HFC emissions
could reach 19% of
projected global
CO2 emissions by y
2050 if left
unchecked

9. Taking Action for Sound ODS
Phaseout
• HFC Growth is direct result of ODS
p
phaseout
• Montreal Protocol experience and
success on HFC-sectors
• Montreal Protocol already heavily involved
in addressing HFCs
- As the phaseout of HCFCs is implemented, MP’s
Multilateral Fund incentivizes transition to climate-
friendly, Low-GWP alternatives
- Up to 25% additional funding
- Montreal Protocol’s Technical and Economic
Assessment Panel (TEAP) provides global expertise
- Science Assessment Panel (SAP) provides information
on alternatives 9

10. 2012 North American Proposal
to Amend Montreal Protocol
• Establishes Baseline and Obligations for all countries
– Developing Countries: later and with financial assistance
p g
• Phases down 21 HFCs, uses GWP-weighting
• Recognizes MP
institutions –
expertise
• Coordinates with
HCFC Phaseout
• Does not alter any
UNFCCC
obligations

11. Climate Benefits: 2012
North American Proposal
• Significant climate benefits: over 96 GtCO2eq
• C b
Co-benefits: energy efficiency b equipment
fit ffi i by i t
upgrades, better materials
 Near term actions are meaningful
Cumulative HFC Reductions (MMTCO2eq) 2016 through 2050
Non‐Article 5 42,100
Article 5 42,900
Byproduct Controls (HFC‐23) 11,300
World Total 96,300
11

12. Momentum Growing
• Declaration with 108 Parties favoring addressing
HFCs under Montreal Protocol
• 2nd Declaration (Bali) more forward-leaning, over 90
signatures to date – open until end of 2012 MOP
g p
• Numerous studies link HFCs to protecting the climate
system and ozone layer
• Many countries incorporating low GWP
options in their transition plans
• New alternatives entering the market
• Ri 20 supports gradual HFC phasedown of
Rio+20 t d l h d f
production & consumption

13. HFC Focal Area:
Since Focal Point Launch
• The United States chairing, working closely with UNEP,
Canada, UNDP, Italy, Mexico …
• Near-term actions include:
• Capacity building
• July Bangkok Technology Conference
• December Commercial Refrigeration Tech Forum
• Inventories
• 5 8 Countries – Start with production/imports build on sector
5-8 production/imports,
expertise
• Case Studies
• Develop information by sector
• More to come!
• Demonstration projects
• Commitments

14. Successful
Technology Conference
• Over 400 people from more than 60 countries
• Popularity demonstrates need for information
• Low GWP fluorinated and non-fluorinated
alternatives for high GWP HFCs: refrigeration, air
conditioning and foams
• Speakers from: US, Europe, China, Japan, India,
Australia, Brazil, Indonesia, etc.
• Companies: DuPont, Honeywell, Whirlpool, Coca-
Cola, Mayekawa, Gree, Carrier, Daikin, AHT, etc.
• Exhibits with cutting edge technologies

15. Summary
• Commercially manufactured HFCs are short-lived
• Suite of known alternatives, technologies and better
alternatives technologies,
handling can significantly reduce HFC consumption in
near and long term
g
• Considering ODS and HFCs together allows for focus
on the sectors, rather than chemicals
– Avoid need for multiple transitions
• Substitutes for many sectors available or under
development but there are barriers to their uptake
• CCAC Taking action to overcome barriers!
– Enable technologies, promote standard reform, capacity
building

16. Questions and Comments
• Thank You!
• Elisa Rim, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
– rim.elisa@epa.gov
• For More Information:
Cindy Newberg, John Thompson,
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency U.S. Department of State
newberg.cindy@epa.gov ThompsonJE2@state.gov

17. Information on Alternatives
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